Briefs: Crested Butte

By Mark Reaman

RTA planning input

The Crested Butte town council approved a comment letter to the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA) in regard to its ongoing strategic plan development. The council listed its top priorities (expanded schedules in peak times, bus fleet replacement and a Brush Creek park-and-ride) with the plan and its least important priorities (micro-transit zones in Gunnison and CB South, a Gunnison circulator). Thoughts on a bigger emphasis on how the plan might address climate and greenhouse gas emission reductions were also brought up.

Rebates for outdoor electric equipment slow 

Under the town’s electric outdoor equipment rebate program, the town has distributed four such rebates for two walk-behind mowers and two trimmers. A total of $518 has been spent by town on the rebates so far.

CB’s Red Lady tree cutting should take a month

The Red Lady Open Space fire mitigation project was delayed until early August. The extensive tree cutting project in the area at the southern entrance to town above the Red Lady estate trailer park will take about a month once it is started.

Request for better public comment process

Citizen David Leinsdorf asked mayor Ian Billick to consider allowing more engaged public input at meetings. He noted Billick was a great chair of the county planning commission and always solicited and allowed needed time for public comment. He insinuated that wasn’t the case as mayor during Crested Butte council meetings. 

Request to ban puppy mill puppy and kitten sales

Durango resident Joyce Cohen was in Crested Butte on vacation and spoke during the public comment portion of the July 15 council meeting to ask the council to consider an ordinance banning the sale of puppies and kitties in pet stores in town. She said she has approached several municipalities with the request since so many of the puppies and kittens in such a scenario are bred in so-called puppy mills. “I know Crested Butte doesn’t have a pet store in town that sells puppies and kittens, but this is a preventative request,” she said.

Stuff:

—The council agreed to support the Colorado Association of Ski Towns’ official statement on housing in the state. 

—An upcoming informational block party is scheduled for the 600 block of Seventh Street (3-5 p.m.) on August 16.